04-12-2012, 09:10 AM | #1 |
Wizard
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N00b question about rooting
Just so we're clear, I know basically nada about the inner workings of Unix/Linux/Android.
Anyway, I bought my first smart phone a little while back, a Sony Xperia Arc, and despite being in mortal fear of the outcome I've decided I want to root it. I thought I'd use SuperOneClick since it seems to be both popular and as idiot-proof as rooting tools come. What I don't know though is what happens after I've rooted the phone (while hopefully avoiding bricking it). 1. Can I still update the firmware in the regular way? ICS is right around the corner for the Arc, so if not I'll wait until it's out. 2. Does rooting affect installed apps? In other words, will I have to re-install stuff after the phone has been rooted? Your assistance will be very much appreciated! |
04-12-2012, 10:45 AM | #2 |
Spork Connoisseur
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2. In general, not really (to my understanding). It just grants you permission to do certain things like remove some things (bloatware) and run other specialized apps like overclocking tools or flash a new ROM to the device. If you flash a different ROM to the phone, you'll probably have to re-install things you may have downloaded from Google Play, but those are tied to your Google account.
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04-12-2012, 10:55 AM | #3 |
Wizard
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Thanks RL, much appreciated!
Anyone have an answer to question 1? I'm ready to go here, but I'd like to know first... |
04-12-2012, 11:56 AM | #4 |
Captain Penguin
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You can update the software after rooting, but you will probably lose root as a result. But the question here is, if you are not certain what rooting brings to the tablet, why would you go through the trouble?
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04-12-2012, 11:57 AM | #5 | |
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Once S-off and rooted, if you install OTA upgrades from your carrier, most likely you will loose root. You want to ignore the carriers OTA updates and try to get "rooted" updates (try XDA developers for more info). |
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04-12-2012, 12:04 PM | #6 | ||
Wizard
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If you never do nothing with your root priviage you'll not experience any difference. [QUOTE=Belfaborac;2039591] 1. Can I still update the firmware in the regular way? ICS is right around the corner for the Arc, so if not I'll wait until it's out. Quote:
=X= |
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04-12-2012, 01:19 PM | #7 | |
Wizard
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Ah yes - in order to get rid of the plentiful, but uniformly useless proprietary crapware which clogs up the available memory and slows everything down. The same reason why the first thing I've done every time I've bought a laptop has been to format and re-install OS. Android n00b or not, I like a lean, optimised machine whatever the platform. |
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04-12-2012, 01:42 PM | #8 | |||
Wizard
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I was probably unclear and/or ambiguous in the OP. I did know what rooting entails, in terms of getting SuperUser access and such, I simply didn't know what happens with the apps and whether the ability to install manufacturer updates would be affected. None of the guides I've read have mentioned it, so I thought I'd better ask before I go ahead.
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Thanks a lot for your help folks, you've successfully allayed my paranoia. |
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04-12-2012, 01:46 PM | #9 | |
Captain Penguin
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Quote:
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04-12-2012, 02:02 PM | #10 |
Wizard
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Is ClockWorkMod to be preferred ahead of Titanium Backup? TB is the one I had planned to go with for backup and such, due to it being mentioned by everyone and his dog.
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04-12-2012, 02:34 PM | #11 |
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Clockworkmod is a custom recovery, where you can install roms and also do a "nandroid backup", which is a backup of the entire OS, installed apps and data to an image. Titanium backup is an app for backup of apps and data only.
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04-12-2012, 02:44 PM | #12 |
Wizard
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Ooops, gotcha. Thanks for the info!
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04-12-2012, 03:35 PM | #13 |
Wizard
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Well, bugger....there's always something.....
I thought I had 2.3.3 installed, which is what SuperOneClick will root. Turns out I forgot I updated to 2.3.4, which is a no-go. |
04-12-2012, 10:24 PM | #14 | |
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Another reason for using AOSP roms like cm9 is that you can get bugfixes and security updates as soon as google releases them as most AOSP roms merge and release nighties in 2-3 days of the google source update. |
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04-12-2012, 10:36 PM | #15 |
Wizard
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Hmmm, maybe I ought to look into that then. I've just had a quick look at custom ROMs, including CM9, since I thought I'd have to root the phone first in any case. I gather that's not correct then?
Edit: of course it has to be rooted first. Duh. Last edited by Belfaborac; 04-12-2012 at 10:47 PM. |
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